Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) Board Chair Adele Wilzack, M.S., R.N., announced today the retirement of President & CEO Frank Vitale after nearly a decade of “distinguished service” during which the school achieved University status, launched its first doctoral programs, set enrollment records and expanded clinical care. The Board appointed John A. Palmucci, a longtime MUIH Board Member and former Valparaiso University Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, to succeed Mr. Vitale, effective July 1st, on an interim basis while a comprehensive search for a permanent chief executive takes place.
Chair Wilzack, a board member since 1998, and a former Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said the Board greatly respects Mr. Vitale and expressed confidence that there would be a seamless transition in the best interests of every member of the close-knit MUIH community. “We appreciate the fact that Mr. Vitale will be available to assist Mr. Palmucci, who embraces the MUIH culture and is nationally regarded for excellence in all facets of higher education finance and administration,” she stated. “He is the ideal choice to lead during the search process.” Chair Wilzack also noted that Mr. Palmucci, head of the MUIH Board’s Finance and Audit Committee for the past eight years, has more than 40 years of senior-level experience on college and university campuses.
The incoming Interim President Palmucci, who earlier in his career served as Vice President for Finance and Treasurer of Loyola University Maryland, said he greatly admired the significant contributions of former MUIH President Vitale and looked forward to continuing to support the university’s impressive growth – spanning academic and clinical areas – and development. At Valparaiso, he served as a member of the President’s Council and his responsibilities included the development of the operating and capital budgets, as well as management of its nearly $250 million endowment.
“I am honored and excited to expand my service to the university and our concerned and compassionate community that has worked together to significantly enhance the role of integrative health in America,” he commented. “We have a remarkable program guided by an extraordinary leadership team, committed faculty, and engaged strategic partners that recognize the influential role we increasingly play,” he said. “Perhaps best of all, I look forward to working on behalf of our students so that they can fulfill their educational and professional aspirations.”
Chair Wilzack indicated that following the Board’s confirmation of Mr. Vitale’s retirement on June 17th, Louise Gussin, J.D., M.D.E., the university’s Vice President for Administration and General Counsel, was named Chief of Staff, in addition to her other responsibilities. She will be the executive in charge until Mr. Palmucci begins service.